New Testament
Revelation 17:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."
Compare translations
And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
What Revelation 17:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse from Revelation, the 'woman' symbolizes a powerful city that has significant influence over the rulers of the world. This city is often interpreted as representing corrupt systems or empires that oppose God's ways. The imagery of a woman suggests both allure and danger, indicating that this city may appear attractive but ultimately leads people away from righteousness. The phrase 'rules over the kings of the earth' highlights the extent of its power and control, suggesting that it has a dominant role in shaping worldly affairs. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of being seduced by worldly power and the importance of remaining faithful to God's truth amidst such influences.
How to apply Revelation 17:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to be vigilant against the allure of worldly power and influence. We should evaluate the systems and ideologies we engage with, ensuring they align with our faith. Staying grounded in God's truth helps us resist the temptations of corruption and remain faithful to our spiritual commitments.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 17:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 17:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the 'woman' represent in Revelation 17:18?
In Revelation 17:18, the 'woman' symbolizes a powerful city or system that exerts significant influence over the rulers of the earth. This imagery often represents corrupt empires or societal structures that oppose God's principles, suggesting both allure and danger. The verse warns of the seductive nature of such power, highlighting the need for discernment in the face of worldly temptations.
How can Revelation 17:18 apply to modern society?
Revelation 17:18 serves as a cautionary reminder for modern society to be aware of the influences of power and corruption. It encourages individuals to critically assess the ideologies and systems they engage with, ensuring they align with their faith. By staying grounded in biblical truth, believers can resist the temptations of worldly allure and maintain their commitment to righteousness.
What is the significance of the phrase 'rules over the kings of the earth'?
The phrase 'rules over the kings of the earth' in Revelation 17:18 emphasizes the extensive power and control that the 'woman' or corrupt city holds over worldly affairs. It signifies the influence that such systems can have on leaders and nations, shaping decisions and actions that may lead people away from God's truth. This highlights the importance of vigilance against such influences in our own lives.
Why is the imagery of a woman used in this verse?
The use of a woman in Revelation 17:18 carries rich symbolism, representing both allure and danger. Women in biblical literature often embody beauty, seduction, and temptation, which can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. In this context, the woman symbolizes a city that may appear attractive but ultimately leads to corruption and moral decline, serving as a warning to remain faithful to God amidst such seductions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.